Journal of
Engineering and Technology Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Eng. Technol. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9790
  • DOI: 10.5897/JETR
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 197

Full Length Research Paper

Investigation into the kinetics of biodegradation of crude oil in different soils

C. P. Ukpaka
  Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 02 February 2012
  •  Published: 12 February 2012

Abstract

 

An experimental study was conducted to examine crude oil degradation in different soil (clay, sandy loamy and swampy soil) of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 ml × 10 kg-1 pollution. The polluted crude oil and soil samples were obtained from Niger Delta area of Nigeria and microbial analysis were conducted on the samples for the purpose of identification, isolation and characterization of possible microbes with a view to determine the kinetics of the reaction (microbial growth rate). Model equations were developed to simulate the degradation and microbial growth rate kinetics of different soil polluted with crude oil as a function of volume, time, substrate concentration and specific rate. The increase in volume of crude oil applied in the soil samples also induced the microbial activities and the two microbial species discussed in this paper is applicable to the study of the kinetics of biodegradation and the characterization of the product, heat generated and new biomass produced in the system.

 

Key words:  Investigation, kinetics, biodegradation, crude oil, different soil.